Voluntary Simplicity by Duane Elgin

I have to say, I was completely underwhelmed by this book. I was excited to get it from Amazon, it had been on my wish list. I can really remember very little specifics on this book, I read it over the course of a couple of nights and found myself nodding off each time (this *never* happens to me). I did like the central idea of this book, that you can live a more fulfilling life if you are mindful of it. But the way it was presented, I found completely uninspiring. I wanted something that had some actual practical applications that I could use in my own life; ideas, meditations, suggestions, something!

Rating: 1 star

Recommendations: There are lots of other simplicity books out there and I will maybe check them out eventually but at the moment I am turned off by the whole idea.

240 pages, I'm not sure how long this took me, abut 2 hours I think

Out of the Dark by David Weber

I was really looking forward to this book, I like David Weber and enjoy some military sci-fi. This book started out great, Earth is attacked humanity courageously (and kind of futilely) fights back. Things go on, the aliens learn about our psychology and are dumbfounded. We keep fighting, things are not looking good. Then all of a sudden, mysteriously alien bases start being wiped out. I think, cool we have figured something effective out. The aliens think, the humans are getting help from another alien species. I wish the aliens had been right. Instead, in the last 3o or so pages.... Vampires show up. Yep, vampires... and not just any vampires, Dracula himself!! They kick the aliens ass, and some of them go off to attack their world. I couldn't believe it. Vampires???! I was thoroughly disgusted.

Rating: 1 star

Recommendations: Up till now, I would have said that anything by David Weber is good stuff. If you want some good stuff, read On Basilisk Station (book one of the Honor Harrington series) or Off Armageddon Reef (book one of the Safehold series).

381 pages 3 and a half hours.